Author: Iliass Segame

As part of the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Week, organized by the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP Morocco), Me Iliass Segame had the honor of participating as a panelist in the national conference on the theme “Data Protection at the Service of Investment.”

This event, held on the occasion of World Data Protection Day, brought together several experts on the subject. The discussions focused on the challenges related to compliance with personal data protection regulations as well as the opportunities it represents for businesses and investors.

During his intervention, Dr. Iliass Segame questioned about the significant sanctions provided by Law 09-08 in cases of non-compliance with data protection regulations. He emphasized that compliance should not be perceived merely as a constraint dictated by the fear of penalties, but as a fundamental commitment to transparency and security.

To illustrate this point, he provided a simple analogy: people do not follow traffic rules solely to avoid fines, but because they ensure the safety of everyone. The same applies to personal data protection, which serves as a key competitive advantage in a digital world built on trust.

This gathering was also an opportunity to announce the creation of the Association of Practitioners of Data Protection and Digital Law (APDND), presided over by Lina Fassi Fihri. This association aims to bring together digital law professionals and promote an applied and accessible approach to this field.

As part of this initiative, Dr. Iliass Segame was appointed President of the “Digital Assets” Commission within APDND, a strategic area with major implications.

📌 Watch the full proceedings of this event on YouTube: Video Link

We are proud to announce the participation of our partner, Dr. Iliass Segame, in the YAAF Event, held as part of the 3rd Edition of the Maghreb Arbitration and ADR Days in Casablanca on December 11-12, 2024.

This edition, themed “The Emergence of Strong Arbitration Hubs in North Africa”, brought together experts and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the development of arbitration in the region. It also served as a platform to explore prospects for cooperation and integration of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Dr. Iliass Segame joined Yosr Bouassida (Freshfields, Paris) as a speaker in the session titled:
“Arbitration under the Pan-African Investment Code – Issues and Perspectives.”

This session highlighted:

• Key provisions of the Pan-African Investment Code (PAIC);
• Opportunities to attract and secure investments in Africa;
• The pivotal role of arbitration in resolving disputes between member states and investors, balancing legal security and national sovereignty.

This event reaffirmed North Africa’s growing role as a strategic hub for international arbitration. At Segame & Maalmi, we remain committed to supporting our clients in securing their investments and effectively managing disputes through tailored and innovative solutions.

Download the full presentation here: https://shorturl.at/AB11Z

We are proud to announce that our partner, Dr. Iliass Segame, has made a significant contribution to the Country Guide on Arbitration in Morocco, published by the International Bar Association (IBA).

This guide serves as a key reference for practitioners and stakeholders interested in the specificities of arbitration in Morocco. Through his analysis, Dr. Segame highlights major legislative developments, including the reform of Law 95-17, as well as the trends and advancements shaping arbitration practices in the country.

His expertise and dedication reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality legal solutions and actively contributing to the promotion of international standards in arbitration.

Link to download the guide: https://segamemaalmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-IBA-Arbitration-MOROCCO.pdf

We are very proud to announce the publication of a new book authored by our founding partner, Prof. Dr. M’hamed Segame, titled “Moroccan Land Law: Land Registration – Real Estate Rights.”

This publication represents a significant contribution to Francophone legal research in the field of Moroccan land law, a domain where updated and accessible references in French have been notably scarce since the landmark work of Paul Decroux in 1977.

Combining theory and practice, the book incorporates the latest legislative developments and recent rulings of the Court of Cassation, while also exploring diverse topics such as the rules derived from Islamic law, which are pervasive in the regimes governing unregistered properties.

This book is an essential resource for practitioners, researchers, and students seeking to understand and master a fundamental area of Moroccan law, where the lack of codification—particularly concerning unregistered properties—makes the subject particularly challenging to navigate.

Link to download the table of contents: https://segamemaalmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ouvrage-.pdf

We are pleased to announce the publication of an article authored by our Partner, Iliass Segame, in the third issue of 2024 of the prestigious Revue de l’arbitrage, published by the Comité Français de l’Arbitrage. This article, titled in french « La nouvelle réforme de l’arbitrage au Maroc : analyse critique »/ “The New Arbitration Reform in Morocco: A Critical Analysis,” is the result of over four years of rigorous work dedicated to the in-depth study and translation of Morocco’s arbitration reform.

The article examines the key provisions of this reform, providing a critical analysis aimed at fostering constructive debate on the ability of this new legal framework to establish itself as a credible and suitable alternative to address contemporary challenges in dispute resolution.

Additionally, this issue of the Revue includes an unofficial translation of Law 95-17 on arbitration and conventional mediation written by our Partner. This translation, carefully reviewed by the scientific direction team, enables the French-speaking arbitration community to access a relevant French version of the Moroccan reform.

The article and translation are available on the Comité Français de l’Arbitrage’s website: https://shorturl.at/SbfTx.

We are proud to announce that our firm has secured a significant victory before the FIFA Football Tribunal, representing Mr. Mohamed Ouattara in his dispute against his former club. This dispute arose from the unilateral termination of his contract due to unpaid wages.

The FIFA Football Tribunal ruled in favor of Mr. Ouattara, recognizing his entitlement to compensation for unpaid wages, with annual interest accruing until full payment is made.

According to the decision, the club in question has 45 days to settle the total amount due. Failure to make payment within this period may result in severe disciplinary sanctions, including, but not limited to, a ban on registering new players at both the national and international levels.

This victory is not only a vindication of our client’s rights but also underscores the necessity for clubs to honor their contractual obligations towards players. Our firm is committed to vigorously defending the interests of athletes and promoting a fair environment within the sports industry.

We are proud to announce that our partner, Iliass Segame, has recently joined the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) think thank the Institute of World Business Law. This membership reflects his commitment to the development of business law on a global scale and his dedication to actively contributing to discussions on contemporary legal issues.

The ICC’s Institute of World Business Law plays a central role in analyzing and developing legal solutions tailored to the needs of companies operating in an international context. By joining this group of experts, the firm, through its partner, will participate in strategic debates aimed at fostering a better understanding of global business practices and strengthening the legal mechanisms that support international trade.

We are proud to announce the participation of our partner, Iliass Segame, in the development of a guide titled “The Arbitration Compass”, an essential tool for anyone or entity interested in arbitration proceedings on the African continent. This guide aims to be a comprehensive resource, offering regional insights and practical advice to understand and navigate the diverse and ever-evolving arbitration landscape in Africa.

Key features of “The Arbitration Compass” include:

1. Regional Perspectives: Africa is a vast continent with diverse legal systems and cultures. This guide provides insights into arbitration practices across different regions, including North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa;

2. Legal Framework: Understanding the legal framework governing arbitration is crucial for effective dispute resolution. “The Arbitration Compass” explores the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing arbitration in various African countries, highlighting key statutes, regulations, and international conventions;

3. Institutional Arbitration: Many arbitration proceedings in Africa are conducted through institutional arbitration bodies. This guide provides an overview of prominent arbitration institutions operating across the continent, their rules, procedures, and presents case studies illustrating their role in resolving disputes;

4. Emerging Trends and Developments: The arbitration landscape in Africa is dynamic, with new trends and developments shaping the practice. “The Arbitration Compass” keeps you informed about emerging trends, recent case law, legislative reforms, and other developments impacting arbitration in Africa.

The chapter dedicated to Morocco, authored by Iliass Segame within this project, serves as a valuable resource for legal practitioners, business owners, investors, and academic researchers. By offering detailed information on the Moroccan legal framework, local arbitration institutions, and recent developments, this guide assists in effectively navigating arbitration procedures in Morocco.

Download Link to the “Arbitration Compass 2024”:

https://segamemaalmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ARBITRATION_COMPASS1-1.pdf